Mastering Heart Sounds and Blood Vessel Functions

Blood Vessel Structure

• The tunica intima layer of blood vessels is composed of endothelial tissue, collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle tissue (except capillaries).

Arteries

• Elastic arteries, specifically the aorta and its branches, are responsible for conducting blood away from the heart and have the highest elasticity.

Veins

• The hepatic portal vein drains the abdominal viscera and carries venous blood to the liver for processing.

Hepatic Portal Vein

• The purpose of the hepatic portal vein is to filter the blood in the liver before it reaches the inferior vena cava.

Peripheral Resistance

• Peripheral resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels.
• Increasing peripheral resistance increases arterial pressure.
• The tunica media layer of blood vessels, composed of smooth muscle tissue, helps constrict or dilate vessels, thereby changing resistance to flow.

Types of Arteries

• One of the main types of arteries is NOT "collateral arteries".

Liver Function

• The purpose of filtering the blood in the liver before it reaches the inferior vena cava is to remove toxins and waste products.
• The hepatic portal vein detour allows the liver to filter the blood and remove nutrients and toxins before it reaches the general circulation.